Toddler found wandering alone

Parents claim to have fallen asleep

September 25, 2013

A 2-year-old boy wearing a soiled diaper and a dirty T-shirt was discovered after he wandered a block alone Sunday night.

The toddler walked from the 500 block of Jerome Street to the 500 block of Summit Street while his parents were sleeping, according to a Marshalltown Police Department report released Tuesday. He was discovered at approximately 7:30 p.m. by some people taking a walk; they immediately called the police.

When officers arrived they searched the neighborhood for the parents and were unsuccessful in finding them.

Article Photos

Crusen

Woods

According the report, the child's parents, Melissa Crusen, 20, and James Woods, 40, called the Marshalltown Police Department at 9:30 p.m., after they noticed their child was missing.

Crusen and Woods were both arrested and charged with child endangerment, a Class D felony.

Officers took the child to the Marshalltown Police Department where he was assisted by Crisis Care. The Department of Human Services were also contacted to assist with the investigation.

The child was unharmed and is in temporary foster care until a determination by the Department of Human Services is made on when the child could be returned.

Woods and Crusen made initial court appearances Monday and were later released. A preliminary hearing is set for 1 p.m. on Oct. 11.